Los Angeles alt-rock riser Forest is continuing her ascent with the release of her powerful new single, “Whore and Savior.” After teasing the track across social media, the response was immediate—fans and newcomers alike quickly gravitated toward its raw intensity and emotionally charged sound.
@forestband_ 10 days😛😛 #90s #deftones #fleshwater #altrock
From the opening seconds, “Whore and Savior” makes an impact. Pummelling guitar riffs and thick layers of fuzz create a gripping backdrop for Forest’s distinctive vocals, delivering a track that feels both chaotic and deeply reflective. At its core, the single explores the complicated transition from youthful innocence to emotional maturity, cementing Forest as one of the most exciting emerging voices in alternative music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Forest explains:
“I really drew on experiences of first love and teenagehood. I wanted it to feel like looking back on a memory that was beautiful at the time, but has been overshadowed by sadness or loneliness.”
This tension sits at the heart of the song. Themes of desire, identity, and womanhood intertwine, as Forest confronts the dualities many experience growing up—balancing purity and sexuality, naivety and awareness. It’s a bold, introspective release that resonates long after the final note.
A Rising Alt-Rock Voice to Watch
The new single follows earlier 2026 release “Prosthetic Stars,” a track that leaned into stadium-ready riffs and shimmering synths while maintaining Forest’s signature emotional depth. Where that song swelled with urgency and restraint, “Whore and Savior” feels more immediate—pushing her sound into heavier, more confrontational territory.
Forest first began turning heads with her 2025 EP Intravenous French Kiss, a four-track project that showcased her ability to blend emo-tinged guitars with vulnerable lyricism. Fan-favourite “Braid Your Hair” quickly became a standout, highlighting her knack for pairing soft, intimate vocals with intense, angst-driven production.
Blending elements of shoegaze, industrial, pop, and ‘90s alternative rock, Forest has carved out a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Her music thrives in contrast—delicate yet explosive, introspective yet confrontational.
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Built for the Stage
While her recordings have earned attention, it’s Forest’s live performances that have truly set her apart. Known for high-energy shows that blur the line between performance and chaos, she has built a reputation across the West Coast for commanding stages with both vulnerability and raw power.
Sharing bills with acts like Starcrawler, Chokecherry, and Empty Shell Casing, Forest has steadily grown her audience. Earlier this year, she performed at the sold-out BurnDown emo revival festival in Santa Ana, further solidifying her place in the scene.
Now, she’s taking that momentum on the road.
Forest Announces 2026 North American Tour
Forest is set to embark on a major North American tour alongside LA trio Clarion, kicking off on March 31 in Denver and wrapping in Orlando in late April. The run includes stops in Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Atlanta, bringing her electrifying live show to a wider audience.
- March 31 — Denver, CO — Larimer Lounge
- April 7 — Chicago, IL — Beat Kitchen
- April 11 — Toronto, ON — Hard Luck
- April 15 — New York, NY — Mercury Lounge
- April 20 — Washington, DC — DC9
- April 25 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade (Altar)
- April 26 — Orlando, FL — Will’s Pub
Fans can expect a set packed with visceral energy, mosh-pit moments, and the emotional intensity that has become synonymous with Forest’s performances.
What’s Next for Forest?
With a debut album slated for release in 2026, Forest is poised for a breakout year. “Whore and Savior” signals an artist stepping fully into her identity—unafraid to explore the complexities of youth, femininity, and self-discovery through a bold sonic lens.
